Cannabis Use and Risk for Substance Use Disorders and Mood or Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

Cannabis use remains a critical issue in the United States. In 2014, an estimated 22 million US residents used cannabis,1 double the number from 10 years age.

As of December 2016, 28 states and the District of Columbia have implemented or have voted to authorize medical cannabis programs, and 8 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational cannabis.

Health care professionals often are concerned about whether cannabis use will lead to psychiatric illnesses such as substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, or mood disorders among their patients. Many stakeholders are concerned that an association between cannabis use and psychiatric illnesses will lead to a steady increase in these illnesses as more states implement medical or recreational cannabis legalization policies. Given these trends and concerns, it has become increasingly important to obtain longitudinal data to clarify the relationship between cannabis use and subsequent psychiatric disorders.